Following are excerpts from Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting today:
 
Prime Minister Olmert noted that Israel will join in marking Earth Day on 22.4.08 and said that Environmental Protection Minister Gideon Ezra would brief the Cabinet on action being taken by his ministry to counteract global warming and limit the emission of greenhouse gases.
 
The Prime Minister also said that National Infrastructures Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer would brief the Cabinet on Israel's water economy and the steps being taken to deal with, "what appears to be a serious water crisis threatening the country in the coming years."
 
Prime Minister Olmert said:
 
"Today, we will discuss the establishment of a joint population and immigration authority to more efficiently supervise entry and exit from the country.  This issue has been on the agenda for some time.  All of the relevant bodies have recently completed thorough staff work on the issue.  The authority will be part of the Interior Ministry.
 
"This will be our last meeting before Passover.  I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Government, the nation and the entire Jewish People a happy, kosher, quiet and safe holiday.  It is the beginning of spring and the country is in bloom.  This is the time to travel and hike throughout the country and enjoy both its beauty and the tranquility that the State of Israel can – and must – provide its residents.  A happy holiday to all."